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Updated: June 14, 2025
It seemed to Sylvia that her mother was very glad at the thought of returning to her former home. But Sylvia was not glad. What would become of Estralla? Mr. Waite had said that as long as Sylvia lived in his house the little colored girl could be her maid. But if they went to Boston and left Estralla behind Sylvia was sure that there would be nothing but trouble for the faithful little darky.
And you must ask your father and mother to forgive my carelessness in taking you so far from home," said the Captain. It was sunset when Sylvia and Estralla, escorted by one of the soldiers from Fort Sumter, came walking up East Battery. Mrs. Fulton was on the piazza, and Mrs. Waite and Grace were with her.
But she knew that she must keep silent until she had carried out her plan. Sylvia was the first one at the breakfast table the next morning, and was delighted when her mother said that she and Mrs. Carleton were invited to luncheon at the house of a friend. "Aunt Connie and Estralla will take good care of you," Mrs. Fulton added, and Sylvia felt her face flush.
Before Sylvia could speak she heard the little wailing cry which Estralla always gave when in trouble, and then: "Don't be skeered, Missy! It's nobuddy. I jes' fell over your doll-ladies." "Oh, Estralla! You haven't broken my dolls! What were you up here for, anyway?" and Sylvia quite forgot all her plans to rescue Estralla as she ran toward her.
The crew and the soldiers and Captain Carleton were now all toward the bow. A small boat swung at the stern of the schooner. "Now, Missy, we's got to git ourselves into that boat and row back home," whispered Estralla, grasping the rope. At that moment Sylvia turned to look back.
There was the sound of voices, a call, and then the little craft was held firmly against the barricade and a gruff voice called: "Stop your noise, and we'll have you safe in a jiffy." But it seemed a long time to the frightened children before a tall soldier swung over into the boat and lifted Sylvia and then Estralla up to the outstretched hands which grasped them so firmly.
Waite's message, and her father nodded silently. Then Sylvia told them that the lockets and pictures would be ready the following day. "And I have a doll for Estralla," she concluded. "Why not make the doll a fine dress and mantle?" suggested Mrs. Carleton. "Come up to my room and I will help you," and Sylvia agreed smilingly. Mrs.
Fulton; but she decided to return to the school with the maid. As they went down the street Estralla followed close behind. Her bare feet made no noise, but now and then she choked back a despairing little wail. For the little colored girl was sure that some harm had befallen her new friend. When Mrs. Fulton appeared at the school-room door Miss Patten was greatly alarmed.
"Why, Sylvia! What is the matter?" questioned her mother anxiously; for Sylvia was leaning her head on the table. "I can't go to Boston and leave Estralla!" she sobbed. "She has done lots of brave things for me. She wouldn't leave me to be a slave." Mr. and Mrs. Fulton looked at each other with puzzled eyes. "But Estralla would not want to leave her mammy," suggested Mr. Fulton. "Oh, Father!
The Butterfly was all ready and waiting for its passengers when Grace and Sylvia, followed by the smiling and delighted Estralla, who was carrying Sylvia's cape and trying to act as much like a "rale grown-up lady's maid" as possible, came down to the long wharf. Although it was December, there was little to remind anyone of winter.
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